Escape to New Zealand this June school holiday for an energising family adventure! From exploring the magical Hobbiton Movie Set to marvelling at the glowworms in Waitomo Caves and relaxing in soothing hot springs, this is one holiday the entire family will be talking about until Christmas.
Family-Friendly Activities in New Zealand
1. Hobbiton Movie Set Tour – A Journey to Middle-earth
@emmashirreffs Visiting the real life Shire 🍃 Hobbiton movie set in Matamata, New Zealand. #hobbiton #lordoftherings #lotr #theshire #newzealand #matamata
Step into the enchanting world of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata, Waikato. This is a must-visit, especially for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.
- What to Expect: Wander through the lush Shire, explore hobbit holes, and sip a drink at the Green Dragon Inn. The 2-hour guided tour is entertaining for all ages, with guides sharing behind-the-scenes stories that will captivate both kids and adults.
- Why Kids Love It: The whimsical setting feels like stepping into a fairy tale, and children can imagine themselves as hobbits on an adventure.
- Tips: Book tickets in advance, as tours sell out quickly during school holidays. Opt for morning tours to avoid crowds, and bring comfortable walking shoes for the gentle terrain.
2. Waitomo Glowworm Caves – A Glowing Underground Adventure
@alii_shahh Bioluminescence is a phenomenon in which living organisms emit light. ♥️🔥♥️ 📍 New Zealand’s Waitomo Glowworm Caves 🇳🇿 Waitomo is a village on the North Island of New Zealand. It’s known for its extensive underground cave systems. Thousands of glow-worms light up the Glowworm Caves. The vast Ruakuri Cave features waterfalls and limestone formations.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the North Island offer a mesmerizing experience that will leave you in awe. Glide through an underground river illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms.
- What to Expect: The classic 45-minute boat tour takes you through the Glowworm Grotto, where glowworms create a starry ceiling. For adventurous families, consider the Black Water Rafting tour (suitable for kids 12 and up), which includes tubing and exploring cave tunnels.
- Why Kids Love It: The magical glow of the worms and the boat ride feel like a secret expedition. The guides’ storytelling keeps younger visitors engaged.
- Tips: Dress warmly, as the caves are cool year-round. Photography is not allowed in the Glowworm Grotto to preserve the experience, so prepare kids to soak it in with their eyes. Pre-book tours, especially in June, to secure spots.
3. Rotorua Hot Springs – Relax and Unwind
Rotorua known for its geothermal wonders is home to family-friendly hot springs that offer relaxation and fun.
@tahitiantravelers Polynesian Spa est l’expérience de baignade géothermique originale et emblématique de la Nouvelle-Zélande, avec de multiples opportunités de se livrer à des sources minérales naturelles acides et alcalines, et des thérapies de spa de jour uniques pour le summum du repos et de la relaxation. On à opter pour une bain privé avec vu sur le lake. 🌲#geothermalpools #polynesianspa #hotpool #travel #lakeview
- What to Expect: At Polynesian Spa, families can enjoy the Family Spa with shallow pools perfect for kids, while parents relax in hotter mineral pools nearby. Hell’s Gate offers a geothermal park experience with mud baths and warm pools, plus interactive Maori cultural activities like wood carving demonstrations.
- Why Kids Love It: Splashing in warm pools and trying mud baths is both fun and novel. The geothermal park’s bubbling mud pools and colourful landscapes feel like a science adventure.
- Tips: Bring swimwear, towels, and flip-flops. Check age restrictions for certain pools, and supervise young children closely. Combine a hot spring visit with a trip to Rotorua’s Te Puia for geysers and Maori cultural shows.
Weather in New Zealand in June
June marks the start of winter in New Zealand, with cooler temperatures and variable weather.
- Rainfall: June is one of the wetter months, especially in the North Island and western South Island. Expect occasional rain showers, but sunny days are common too.
- Packing Tips: Pack layers, including waterproof jackets, warm sweaters, and sturdy shoes for outdoor activities. Hats and gloves are handy for chilly mornings or evenings. Don’t forget swimwear for hot springs!
- Activity Impact: Most activities like Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, and hot springs are enjoyable in winter, as they’re either indoors or weather-resistant. However, check tour schedules, as some outdoor activities may have limited availability during heavy rain.
On Staying Connected: Travel eSIM vs. Portable WiFi Router
To share your family’s adventures and navigate New Zealand with ease, reliable internet is essential. Here’s a breakdown of whether to choose a travel eSIM or a portable WiFi router:
Travel eSIM:
- Pros: Easy to set up—just scan a QR code to activate on compatible smartphones. Ideal for individual use, with flexible data plans (e.g., 1–10GB). Works seamlessly for navigation, social media, and messaging.
- Cons: Only works on eSIM-compatible devices. Each family member needs their own plan if sharing isn’t feasible. Data can run out quickly with heavy use (e.g., video streaming).
- Best For: Families with eSIM-compatible phones who want hassle-free setup and moderate data use.
Portable WiFi Router:
- Pros: Connects multiple devices (phones, tablets, laptops) simultaneously, making it ideal for families. Convenient for data-heavy activities like streaming or video calls.
- Cons: Requires pickup/drop-off (often at airports) and carrying an extra device. Battery life (6–12 hours) needs monitoring, and recharging is necessary.
- Best For: Families with multiple devices or those needing unlimited data for longer trips.
Recommendation: For most families, a portable WiFi router is the better choice in New Zealand. It allows everyone to stay connected without worrying about individual data limits, especially when using tablets for kids’ entertainment or sharing photos from Hobbiton. Rent a router with unlimited data for peace of mind.
If your family has eSIM-compatible phones and prefers light data use (e.g., navigation and messaging), a travel eSIM is a simpler, cost-effective option.
Ready to embark on this Kiwi adventure? Start planning your trip now, and let New Zealand’s wonders spark joy for the whole family!
